Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed demands for a medical bulletin on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., stressing that his condition does not warrant it and that the President himself has been open about his health.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that medical bulletins are issued only for serious illnesses, noting that Marcos’ diverticulitis was never life-threatening.
“Sa ating pagkakaalam pag naglabas ng medical bulletin dapat serious illness. Kung sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi ito life-threatening, bakit kakailanganin ngayon and medical bulletin samantalang kami ay nagp-provide sa inyo ng kalagayan ng kalusugan ng Pangulo?” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She added, “Mas reliable po siguro na ang Pangulo ang nagsasabi ng kaniyang nararamdaman… Katawan naman niya po yun.”
Castro brushed aside speculation about Marcos’ supposed decline, pointing out that he has continued to attend meetings and recently appeared at the oath-taking of new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
While Marcos skipped several engagements on medical advice to rest, the Palace emphasized this was precautionary and temporary.
“Ang sabi nga ni ES Ralph Recto, pinapa-relax muna ang Pangulo. Pero ang sabi natin, um-attend sya ngayon, nagkakaroon sya ng private meetings, so umiigi ang kalusugan ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
Marcos was diagnosed with diverticulitis last week after a night of medical observation.
He later released a video message assuring the public he was fine, dismissing rumors of declining health as “highly exaggerated.”